Journal of Pediatric Neurology
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1728686
Review Article

ALDH7A1 Gene and Its Related Pyridoxine-Dependent Epilepsy

Flavia Maria Consuelo La Mendola
1   Unit of Pediatrics, Caltanissetta Hospital, Caltanissetta, Italy
,
Tiziana Timpanaro
2   Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Daniela Caruso
2   Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Maria Teresa Garozzo
3   Unit of Pediatric and Pediatric Emergency, Hospital “Cannizzaro,” Catania, Italy
,
Santiago Presti
2   Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Catia Romano
4   Italian Blind Union, Catania section, Catania, Italy
,
Elena R. Praticò
5   Unit of Pediatrics, Carpi Hospital, Carpi, Italy
,
Giulia Lombardo
2   Pediatrics Postgraduate Residency Program, Section of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Antonio Zanghì
6   Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technology “G.F. Ingrassia,” University of Catania, Catania, Italy
,
Raffaele Falsaperla
7   Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency, University Hospital “Policlinico Rodolico-San Marco,” Catania, Italy
8   Unit of Neonatal Intensive Care and Neonatology, University Hospital “Policlinico Rodolico-San Marco,” Catania, Italy
› Institutsangaben
Funding None.
Zoom Image

Abstract

Despite being classically reported as caused by mutations in solute carriers genes (SLC2A1), it has been recently shown that also mutations in ALDH7A1 can cause pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE). ALDH7A1 is a gene encoding for the antiquitin, an enzyme that catalyzes the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent dehydrogenation of L-α-aminoadipic semialdehyde/L-Δ1-piperideine 6-carboxylate. It is a highly treatable disorder, but nevertheless it is still not certain when to consider this diagnosis and how to test for it. It is possible to identify a classical form and an atypical one of PDE associated with more than 70 mutations of ALDH7A1 gene. The typical form is characterized by the onset of seizures within the first month of life and can be treated with pyridoxine in monotherapy, as they are not responsive to traditional anticonvulsant therapy. The atypical forms are equally pyridoxine-dependent, but are characterized by a later onset of seizures, sometimes up to the age of 3 years. Several brain abnormalities have been associated with ALDH7A1 mutations. Seizure control is achieved by the administration of high-dose pyridoxine, which must be started in the patient as soon as possible. However, it has been observed that pyridoxine therapy does not prevent developmental delay in most cases; in these cases, it can be recommended and useful to supplement arginine with pyridoxine therapy associated with a dietary restriction of lysine.



Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 21. September 2020

Angenommen: 24. Februar 2021

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
21. Mai 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany